House passes McCaul’s first responder grant bill

The U.S. House of Representatives passed the Community Counterterrorism Preparedness Act, H.R. 5859, on Thursday, to provide assistance to first responders in communities across the country.

The bill, introduced by U.S. Rep. Michael McCaul (R-TX) and passed with bipartisan support, authorizes grants to first responders for training-related exercises to prevent the type of attacks that were recently seen in New York, New Jersey and Minnesota.

“We are currently in the highest threat level environment since 9/11,” McCaul said. “Fewer jihadists are going to Syria to join the fight, instead being instructed to stay where they are and kill where they are. This past weekend, Islamist-inspired attacks in New York, New Jersey, and Minnesota highlight the resolve of jihadists to attack our people and our way of life. The fact that there were no casualties is a testament to the brave men and women on America’s front lines—including federal, state and local law enforcement. This bill makes sure our heroic first responders have access to the training they need and ability to conduct exercises to address the most likely terrorist attacks—including threats posed by active shooters, IEDs and suicide bombers.”

The bill authorizes $39 million for emergency response providers in major metropolitan areas to conduct training and exercises to prevent and respond to terrorist-type threats. Only first responders, as defined in the Homeland Security Act, will be eligible for funding under the bill.